Over the course of just 10 days (Jul 11-Aug 1) at Ellis, 14 horses were scratched by the regulatory vet – i.e., their exploiters had every intention of racing them – for being “injured” or “unsound,” another 36 by private vets for being “injured” or “ill,” and 10 horses who were “claimed” (bought) prior to races were subsequently returned to their sellers because they finished said races physically compromised in one way or another.
In addition, say the stewards:
“Vivis in Front was injured in the starting gate.”
“Mombayla was injured in the starting gate.”
“Slide Away hit inner rail, then trailed the field.”
“Amber Valletta returned lame.”
“Silvertown, the winner, required the assistance of the horse ambulance.” (This was previously reported on our weekly report.)
“Todo Men suffered physical distress and required the horse ambulance.” (The chart said nothing of this.)
“Colucci flipped and was injured in the starting gate.”
The machine that is horse racing grinds up and spits out horses and humans alike. History is littered with the corpses and broken bodies of the horses. Jockeys are sometimes paralyzed, or alcoholic, often severely depressed, financially struggling. Betters lose collective fortunes attempting to prey upon each other in this “game”. Everyone involved, even the “winners”, turns a blind eye to the suffering, and in the process move farther and farther away from what makes for a good life. What can surpass a clean conscience? From backstretch workers to CDI, no one escapes the machine unscathed.